Katy TX has come a long way since it was founded as Cane Island in 1845 just a few miles west of Houston. Now a bustling city with some 15,000+ residents, Katy continues to grow. This ensures that real estate in the area is under constant demand. Contact J. Carter Breed to learn more about this growing community and the homes for sale here.

History

Most historians agree that the city's name came from an acronym used by the railroad men who worked the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad while others suspect that the name came from the wife of a saloon keeper. Regardless, the city was located in a spot that was tough to settle thanks to the extreme weather and mosquitoes. In its first decades, only a handful of pioneers were living here. That began to change when the railroad arrived in 1893. By 1895 the town was laid out, and people were arriving in great numbers to farm and ranch. Cotton and peanuts were the crops of choice, but rice eventually became predominant. Today there is a wealth of different industries, promising a steady supply of jobs for people who buy homes here.

As Houston continues to grow westward after the development of the Energy Corridor, the city of Katy grows eastward to meet the demand of new home buyers. Katy neighborhoods provides a friendly, small town atmosphere within driving distance of a major city. It serves as a popular location for commuters to nearby cities of Houston, Sugarland and Richmond/Rosenberg. Business Week Magazine ranked Katy No.2 as the second-fastest growing residential community in the U.S.

The students of the Katy schools are served by the sprawling Katy Independent School District (181 sq. miles). The Katy ISD serves over 70,000 students and is recognized by the Texas Education Agency for high student achievement in a statewide comparison.

Parks and Recreation

People living in Katy have the opportunity to enjoy a number of city parks. These facilities include amenities like sports fields, picnic tables and playgrounds. There's also an off-leash dog park and a park featuring several restored historic buildings. The city also boasts the Woodsland Park and Community Center, which hosts day activities for seniors and fitness classes for the community.

Attractions and Activities

The city is home to several museums including the fascinating Heritage Museum inside VFW Park. The VFW Community Building has a museum of its own, which explores the military involvement of the city's residents. The Heritage Society offers a fascinating trip through history with their many well-preserved buildings. A more modern perspective is presented at the Contemporary Arts Museum. The Katy Mills Mall is the place to be for upscale shopping and dining. Both new and seasoned will appreciate the excellent links at Cinco Ranch.

Events

The city sponsors numerous community events throughout the year. The Rice Harvest Festival is definitely a highlight with its two fun-filled days of food, craft booths and live entertainment. There's always a festive Fourth of July in this city, and a Folk Life Festival is a wonderful commemoration of how life used to be for the earliest settlers. Residents also won't want to miss the Christmas tree lighting in Harvest Plaza.

Contact J. Carter Breed to learn more about homes for sale in Katy TX. Properties in this growing city don't stay on the market long so you need a real estate expert to guide the process.